Our birthday boy picked an especially warm day for his party, and who knows how long his ice cake will last, but it was a thing of beauty! The two-year-old panda’s party had a beach theme, so his exhibit was decorated with cardboard beach balls, jellyfish, and seahorses dangling here and there, cardboard gift boxes, and a pile of wood shavings to represent beach sand.

The birthday cake was topped with a large blue “2,” which didn’t stay upright for long, and an orange “tiki torch” on each side. Mr. Wu seemed delighted with his surprise, climbing up on it to get every last bit of apple. When, most likely, his tongue and bottom got too cold, he retired to the log bridge to nap in the warm sun.

Our cake team spent several weeks preparing this special treat for Xiao Liwu. It was about 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall, weighed over 100 pounds (45 kilograms), and had layers supported by bamboo poles. It was so colorful, too! Bright blues and oranges. Knowing that apples are “Mr. Wu’s” favorite snack, the team filled the cake with apple slices frozen in the ice blocks. Slices of carrots, yams, bamboo, and more apples were arranged in a depression on the top of the cake, which was drizzled with a yam paste “frosting.”

If he gets too warm today, he’ll still have that beautiful ice cake to sit on! Video of Xiao Liwu enjoying his morning when it becomes available, so be sure to check back. (Update: video has been added. Enjoy!)

Keeper Jennifer Becerra hangs a cardboard beach ball as part of the decorations.

It took three strong cake team members to bring in the 100-pound cake.

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48 Reader Comments

Wu Wu

Posted July 29, 2014 at 1:56 PM

To all ye faithful…….I told you, pictures plus videos of today’s birthday extravaganza would be forthcoming. Hereby, I wish to express my gratitude to SDZ staff, for such lavish treat.
Now, I have to take a nap, and put my digestive system to work!

Nancy

Posted July 29, 2014 at 1:57 PM

Bravo to the staff, the cake was so bright & beautiful! !The decor was cool also. Thanks for posting, since we couldn’t see on came. Hopefully video will be available Great job!, Did Bai yun get a special treat today? Hope so since she couldn’t have any B/D cake

Jeslyn in San Diego

Posted July 29, 2014 at 2:25 PM

I nust say that is the prettiest cake I have seen the zoo make!
Glad I finally got to see a picture of it since we couldn’t see it this morning.
I checked in this afternoon and still having camera issues following Mr. Wu around .
Never did see him mess with his boxes. I think the camera switched over to Bai sleeping in her tree about that time, so I gave up.
Happy Birthday Mr. Wu! Its been a fast 2 years!

suzanne in new york

Posted July 29, 2014 at 2:58 PM

happy 2nd birthday xiao liwu!

Panda Di

Posted July 29, 2014 at 3:12 PM

Kudos to the San Diego Zoo for making such a memorable party for all to enjoy.

Mr. Wu is such a lucky bear to be able to experience these occasions.

The cake was so Blue and the theme was perfect. Now Mr Wu needs to enjoy water more! Happy Two Years!!!!

Danielle

Posted July 29, 2014 at 4:10 PM

Hellooooooo! Mr. Wu,
I had so much fun today at your birthday party, your cake was outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You just loved your cake, your ice cake that is…
What a beautiful cake and decorations you have for your special day…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY XIAO LIWU better known as Mr. Wu*****************

I think you are about the cutest darling little panda two years old in the whole wide world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I threw you so many kisses today, not only from me but also from puppy girls as she was right there in spirit with us!!!!!!!!

My husband took so many pictures , I can’t wait to see all of them…

We didn’t see your wonderful dad Gao Gao though your mom Bai Yun is just as beautiful as ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mr. Wu you are such a love, you have that sweet baby face, that has not left you…

I’ll be back on the 9th before the Zoo opens to see you behind the scene!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy 2nd Birthday Xiao Liwu. It was a beautiful cake, and the decorations were adorable, especially the sand and octopus.Thank you for all the hard work that went into his festivities.

I put together some highlights from Panda Cam (for those eagle-eyed viewers) including Xiao Liwu sitting on his cake eating, knocking the “2″ off the cake, climbing on the top tier and breaking it into pieces, the aftermath of the cake, Wu enjoying rolling around in the “sand”, Wu opening some presents, Wu chilling on the remains of his ice cake (not sure there is any left) and finally relaxing up on the tree stump on the skywalk.

Wow!! SDZ you are the best!! Love the pictures of Mr. Wu and his ice cake. Wish I could have been there to see him sitting on his cake, but the pictures you supplied were priceless. He is quite the picture poser! Can’t wait to see the video! Thanks again for all you do for our precious pandas!

carol_lizard

Posted July 29, 2014 at 4:20 PM

thank you for the photos. they are wonderful. in the first pic, it looks like Xiao Li Wu is wearing a bday hat. I thought the tiki torches were lovely. in the last pic it looks like the cake is the perfect size for Wu to sit on.
I wonder if his bum has changed from black to blue after today.
thanks again.

Jeslyn in San Diego

Posted July 29, 2014 at 4:59 PM

In the first photo above, it looks like Mr. Wu has on his pointed birthday hat!

Nancy

Posted July 29, 2014 at 5:00 PM

wonders what is in the boxes mr wu didnt open..guess it didnt smell good enough?

Monitor’s note: The boxes were filled with hay, alfalfa and pine shavings and scented with cinnamon.

Am SO Happy you got to Darlin’ Wu Wu’s Birthday Party and you had such a Fun time !!
That’s Terrific !!!!!
So Good you got a Lot of pictures!
Thought about you being there today.

Thank You for blowing kisses to Wu Wu for both of us ♥
Golly, Love that Sweet Baby♥ (I know. He’s not a baby!)
♥
puppygirl

Angela UK

Posted July 29, 2014 at 6:00 PM

Happy 2nd Birthday Mr Wu
Your panda keepers and the the SDZ staff did you very proud with your birthday cake and your beautiful decorated exhibit.
P.S Danielle how lucky were you to actually be there and celebrate with Mr Wu and to be going back on the 9th Aug for a behind the scenes.

Sandy

Posted July 29, 2014 at 6:01 PM

Happy Happy Birthday Mr. Wu, you are such a precious bear, and it looked like you really enjoyed that wonderful birthday ice cake. I will be down to see you on Monday, doing the morning with the pandas again……love it. Kudos to the awesome staff what a wonderful job as always.

sheryl

Posted July 29, 2014 at 6:02 PM

Wow, great pics! What a beautiful, best ever cake! I could swear Wu is smiling in pic#2! And I love the one where he’s cooling off his butt holding onto a Tiki torch, dreamy look on his face! I hope he ate all that fruit before he sat on it! Danielle, what a day you had, so glad you were able to attend the party!

Mary of Georgia

Posted July 29, 2014 at 6:40 PM

What a super cake for Mr. Wu and it looks like he enjoyed cooling himself off on it. You outdid yourselves this time for a special little man.

Luranna Latimer

Posted July 29, 2014 at 6:57 PM

What a great Cake, you guys out did yourself At the end Mr wu looked liked a sticky mess, He will have fun cleaning him self off. Great job guys,

Marjorie

Posted July 29, 2014 at 7:19 PM

Happy BIrthday Peanut! We have loved every moment of your 2 years. Well, perhaps not every moment. We remember when you were just a little cub and we could hear your cries during bath time. And those times when you fell out of the tree. And weaning…that was hard on all of us. But we love you and wish you a happy and healthy year ahead. We’ll be watching every moment. We love you Wu!

Nancy

Posted July 29, 2014 at 8:18 PM

Ok just read the zoo is open til 9, I noticed on the panda cam ppl taking flash pictures..so dark, how can they see anything? I assume you try to get the pandas inside then after the zoo closes? wonders how when they are sleeping?

Monitor’s note: Although the Zoo is open until 9 p.m. during Nighttime Zoo, the panda exhibit closes at 8:30 p.m. The pandas are given access to their bedrooms at night, but they can stay outside if desired.

Amanda

Posted July 29, 2014 at 8:22 PM

In case you did not see it, on this page to the right, you’ll see video of Xiao Liwu’s birthday celebration. Happy Birthday Mr. Wu. Great job SDZ on the cake and decorations in his yard. Very festive and bright!

Jeri

Posted July 29, 2014 at 8:34 PM

Happy 2nd Birthday Mr. Wu! As always, SDZ staff did a great job on the cake and decorations. Thank you for all that you do for Gao Gao, Bai and Mr. Wu!

Dear Wu,
Happy Birthday!! I was so happy to be at your birthday party today! You were enjoying your birthday cake. So Cute!! Very beautiful cake, birthday decorations & presents!!
Love, Seiko

Carolyn

Posted July 30, 2014 at 1:14 AM

Great job on that cake! Happy Birthday to our little guy!

brenner

Posted July 30, 2014 at 4:22 AM

All best wishes to you, nice Mr. Wu!

Janis, Winsted, CT

Posted July 30, 2014 at 4:36 AM

I would like to add my congratulations and a job well done to the staff who worked so very hard to give Wu the best birthday party he so richly deserved. I’m afraid you all set the bar just a bit higher for yourselves

Happy Bearday Mr. Wu! Seeing him enjoying his beautiful cake, I’m reminded of a quote from Will Klein, son of Bill and Jen Klein of The Little Couple: “CAKE!CAKE!CAKE!” Will LOVES cake and Mr. Wu does, too!

Amanda .... N.Ireland

Posted July 30, 2014 at 10:43 AM

Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR WU…..Hope you had a great day,you certainly looked like you were…Much love,hugs and kisses wingin it’s way to you.. xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Karen

Posted July 30, 2014 at 11:25 AM

Looks like you loved you cake for your 2nd birthday Mr. Wu. You had a great birthday and again Happy Birthday.

Xiao Liwu

Posted July 30, 2014 at 1:13 PM

To all ye faithful.
‘Giant Panda Xiao Liwu Turns Two’ videos, are now available for view, through YouTube. Various versions differ slightly in narration. All have footage of yours truly, in frontal & side close-ups, enjoying yummy ice cake. Warning: At end of video, a large human crowd was shown on exhibit, being viewed by a panda!

Cheri in Mississippi

Posted July 30, 2014 at 4:28 PM

I had to laugh at myself. One picture shows Mr. Wu and he looks like he is wearing a party hat. I kept thinking how did the keepers get him to wear that?
Then I realized it was the way he was sitting and the orange hat was actually a torch on the top of his cake. Cool picture either way. Love that boy bear. He will always be our Lil’ Wu no matter how many more birthdays he has.

Tina

Posted July 30, 2014 at 6:42 PM

He look like he having fun day enjoyed the cake.Happy Birthday to you goes fast

Spain: Madrid Zoo has panda cam.
Periodically, YouTube.com also has panda videos, posted by individual zoos and others. Search by name of zoo or panda.

NancyB San Diego

Posted July 31, 2014 at 9:55 AM

Best birthday cake ever

Debbie in Pa.

Posted July 31, 2014 at 12:49 PM

Who was the lucky keeper that got to clean Wu up after his party? He sure is much cleaner than he was and we know he didn’t do it..LOL.

Panda Panda

Posted July 31, 2014 at 1:29 PM

Updates on several US-born pandas in China.
Hua Mei: Currently raising her cub (b. 7/18/2013), in semi-wild setting/Bifengxia Base, she will decide when to discontinue nursing. Her 2013 cub is in “boot camp” training, with Hua Mei as drill instructor, as a “potential” candidate for eventual release into the wild.
Mei Sheng, a healthy 11-yr. old, loves tree climbing, reclining on a swing, plus playing with toy ball. Finally mastered natural mating, he has yet to sire any offspring. Last March, he was spurned by one female; unsure whether he had better luck with others.
Yun Zi, about to turn age 5 in August, received early birthday cake on July 9th, courtesy of Pandas International staff. His recent (June/July) photos, taken at Dujiangyan, can be viewed at Pandas International.org.
Tai Shan, now 9 yrs. old, has yet to mate. Nonetheless, his sperms had been collected, & stored in sperm bank, for future AI use. Further, he has yet to learn Mandarin, or local Sichuan dialect. His Dujiangyan keeper communicates with him in English only.

For more details, including pictures of Hua Mei, Mei Sheng and Tai Shan; see
‘Ex-Panbassadors Enjoy Home’, plus ‘Breeding Icons For Everyone To Enjoy’,
at China Daily.com, US edition/English, 7/31/2014 Thursday.

Encouraging news on Panda Genetics & Conservation
A recent study, on captive panda population at 4 Chinese breeding centers, revealed high degree of genetic diversity. Hence, there is no further need, to bring in wild pandas for captive breeding.
Such conclusion echoes results from another study, on immune system genes of wild pandas, in 6 mountain ranges. See,
‘Cultured Pandas Have Good Genes’, 7/28/2014, Deutsche Welle.de.
‘Study: Panda Immune System More Resilient Than Previously Understood’, 10/22/2013, CBS News.com.

carol_lizard

Posted August 1, 2014 at 2:20 PM

did a tree get cut down in Bai’s exhibit? she’s sleeping on the back of her rock (top of the panda cave). it looks like there is the cut surface of a tree trunk under her which I don’t remember seeing before.
I don’t really know when they would have had time to cut down a tree though.

Monitor’s note: The camera angle makes it look a bit odd, but it is a cross-section of log that was fashioned into a “plate” a while back. Keepers can put food items on it for our lovely lady.

mcarew1@hotmail.com

Posted August 1, 2014 at 5:12 PM

Hello

First I would like to say Happy Birthday Mr. Wu. Your cake was something else. Further to the above about panda cams; I love watching them to no end, including Atlanta, Washington and on Ipanda.com from China.

I do have a question maybe you can answer. I watch the Panda Kindergarten a lot especially later in the night because of the time change. I see all 14 Pandas from last year socializing and playing even some of the older ones are still together. Is the goal of this area to promote more socialization skills in pandas by starting at an early age and through adulthood. I have to wonder if starting at this early age if they will be able to live together or even tolerate each other more as adults. Kindergarten is conventional terms in North America used as a stepping stone to socialization at an early age, so this is why I am asking.

To back up my statement and I do not know for sure with this was imperial data I read, or something off an unverified internet panda blog, but there were a set of panda twin girls born a few years back and their mother kept them both on her own without cub swapping. Further the twins had their own twin offspring and kept them both with them too. One twin had twin girls I believe and the other twin had a male and female and the births were only hours apart from each mother. Does this mean researchers want pandas to have more socialization skills with other pandas into adult life. Certainly put many together in what they term a “kindergarten” is learned behavior through socialization into adult life.

Thank You
Mary
Canada

PS We Canadians are keeping our fingers crossed that Er Shun will give birth this month!!!!

al

Posted August 1, 2014 at 8:40 PM

Dear Mary from Canada, Re: twin rearing and panda kindergarten.
For future disposition of Atlanta twins, please refer to Zoo Atlanta 2/28/2014, & 7/25/2014 Panda Updates.
At Wakayama Adventure World (Japan), panda mother reared both twins simultaneously, from early on. However, as SDZ moderator correctly pointed out, such endeavour was undertaken, with tremendous effort, time/resource wise, by Japanese keepers. That kind of tedious dedication, would be difficult to duplicate elsewhere.

Previously in China, cubs were weaned at age 6 months; thereby allowing adult females to recycle into estrus, in preparation for mating. “Panda kindergarten” arrangement, affords “substitute socialization”. Nowadays, with more cubs surviving into adulthood, early weaning is no longer necessary. At both Chengdu & Bifengxia, they now wean cubs at age 18 months instead.

In the wild, pandas are solitary; except for cub rearing and spring mating. Under managed care, experiments had been conducted, pairing siblings together; across a howdy fence at SDZ, and within same enclosure at ZA. In both instances, the younger one was so intimated by elder sibling, that those encounters were terminated/not repeated.
While sub-adults of similar age can be housed together, each will be given own enclosure, upon reaching sexual maturity.

Per Dr. Rebecca Snyder, ZA animal behaviorist: While Atlanta twins currently play with each other, one might not tolerate the other’s presence, once reaching sexual maturity.

al

Posted August 2, 2014 at 4:02 PM

Dear Mary from Canada, re: Panda Twins and Social Behaviour.
The following might be of interest,
San Diego Zoo Archive:
‘Prodigious Panda Proceedings’, 7/16/2013.
‘Considering the Sisters (Su Lin & Zhen Zhen)’, October 7, 2009.
‘Pandas: Are Two Better Than One?’, 7/29/2009.
All 3 articles were written by Ms. Suzanne Hall.

Zoo Atlanta (ZA):
6/20/2014 Panda Update. Click on embedded link, “research with giant pandas”. It will then display list of articles, on various aspects of panda behaviour, based upon joint research studies, conducted by ZA and Chengdu staff. You can click on individual article title heading, to peruse its content.

Hope above articles could answer your query, in more detail.

al

Posted August 2, 2014 at 5:22 PM

I understand, Toronto Zoo will be hosting Moon Festival Gala, on 9/13/2014 Saturday; to raise funds plus public awareness, on ‘species conservation in the wild, giant pandas included’.

al

Posted August 3, 2014 at 12:34 PM

Dear Mary from Canada,
At Wakayama Adventure World/Japan, in setting of twin panda birth, a keeper is stationed right outside maternal den, 24/7, ready to assist, plus hand-feed postpartum mother. Each twin is also alternately taken to nursery incubator, allowing some respite for the mother. So, it is extremely labor-intensive undertaking, for zoo staff.
Source: ‘Wakayama Park Trumpets Success With Its Park-breeding Program’, by Noriko Kawamura, 7/15/2013, Japan Times.co.jp/news/. You can also retrieve this post, via Google search.

Wakayama has great success with its captive-breeding program, outside China. It witnessed births of 11 surviving cubs, including several set of twins. Currently, there are 5 pandas on premise, two adults with 3 cubs; the other cubs have since been repatriated to their ancestral Sichuan homeland.

Amanda .... N.Ireland

Posted August 17, 2014 at 8:44 AM

Woow can’t get over how big Mr Wu is getting !!!!! I don’t have the same time these days to check him out but when I do he always seems to be eating:) .. Does he not play as much as he used to ????

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